Qualification Structure

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller Support Operative is an Ofqual-regulated qualification accredited on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The qualification has a Total Qualification Time (TQT) of 570 hours, 177 Guided Learning Hours (GLH), and 53 credits.

Assessment is evidence-based and assignment-based, allowing the learner to demonstrate occupational competence through workplace evidence and relevant assignments. Assessment and internal quality assurance are carried out by centre staff, with external quality assurance provided by ProQual to ensure the qualification meets the required standards.

The awarding body for this qualification is ProQual Awarding Body, and the regulatory body is the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). The qualification specification has been approved by the Welsh Government for use by centres in Wales and by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA) for use by centres in Northern Ireland.

This qualification has been accredited onto the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) and provides a progression route to discipline-related qualifications and further professional development within the construction and land drilling sector.

Core Study Units

Mandatory Units

• Contributing to the Specified Drilling Programme in the Workplace
• Establishing Work Area Protection and Safety in the Workplace
• Conforming to General Health, Safety and Welfare in the Workplace
• Conforming to Productive Working Practices in the Workplace

Pathway Mandatory Units

• Reinstating Ground Condition in the Workplace
• Carrying Out Checks and/or Basic Maintenance on Plant or Machinery in the Workplace

Pathway Optional Units – 1 Unit

• Receiving and Organising Materials and Equipment for the Drilling Activity in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Specialised Powered Tools and Equipment in the Workplace
• Setting Out Secondary Dimensional Work Control in the Workplace
• Slinging and Signalling the Movement of Loads (Secondary Role) in the Workplace

Additional Units - Not Mandatory

• Preparing and Operating Overhead Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Excavator Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Rough Terrain Masted Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Industrial Counterbalanced Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Sideloader Forklifts to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Telescopic Handlers to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Reach Trucks to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Lorry Loaders or Knuckle Boom Cranes to Lift and Transfer Loads in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating 180 Degree Excavators to Extract Ground and Loose Materials in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Skid Steer Loaders to Extract Loose Materials in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Loader Compressors to Extract Loose Materials in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating 360 Degree Excavators to Extract Ground, Face and/or Loose Materials in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Crawler/Tractor Dozers to Excavate and/or Form Ground in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating 360 Degree Excavators to Excavate Ground in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Truck-mounted Boom Concrete Pumps to Receive, Pump and Discharge Materials in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Forward Tipping Dumpers to Receive, Transport and Discharge Materials in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Agricultural-based Tractors for Non-agricultural Activities in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Trailer-mounted Concrete Pumps to Receive, Pump and Discharge Materials in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Self-propelled Bowsers to Receive, Transport and Discharge Materials in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Scissor-type Mobile Elevating Work Platform – MEWP – in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Boom-type Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – MEWP – in the Workplace
• Preparing and Operating Mast Climber-type Mobile Elevating Work Platforms – MEWP – in the Workplace

The qualification specification identifies these as Additional Units, which may be completed but do not count towards the qualification.

Who Is This Qualification For?

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller Support Operative is designed for individuals working in or preparing to work in land drilling and construction-related ground operations. The qualification recognises practical workplace competence and provides a structured route to demonstrate occupational skills.

It is suitable for:

• Land Driller Support Operatives
• Driller Support Workers
• Land Drilling Operatives
• Drilling Site Operatives
• Ground Investigation Support Operatives
• Construction Site Operatives involved in drilling activities
• Individuals assisting with land drilling programmes
• Operatives involved in preparing and maintaining drilling work areas
• Workers supporting drilling plant and machinery operations
• Operatives responsible for reinstating ground conditions
• Individuals involved in handling drilling materials and equipment
• Construction workers seeking formal recognition of existing drilling competence
• Individuals developing practical skills in land drilling operations
• Workers seeking an RQF-regulated qualification in land drilling
• Individuals progressing toward higher-level qualifications in construction and drilling operations

The qualification is particularly appropriate for individuals who can demonstrate competence in a real workplace environment, as assessment requires a portfolio of evidence demonstrating the required skills, knowledge and performance.

Career Opportunities

The ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller Support Operative provides learner with the practical skills, knowledge and occupational competence required to work effectively in land drilling and ground investigation operations. The qualification supports career development in construction, drilling, ground engineering and site operations, where competent personnel are required to assist with drilling activities, maintain safe work areas, handle equipment and materials, and support the efficient delivery of drilling programmes.

Future Progression

Upon successful completion of the ProQual Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Land Drilling Operations: Land Driller Support Operative, learner can progress to higher-level qualifications and more advanced roles within the drilling, ground investigation, geotechnical, mineral exploration, and construction sectors. The qualification provides a practical foundation for developing competence in drilling operations, equipment handling, site safety, ground investigation, and supporting drilling activities.

Learner may choose to undertake higher-level drilling and ground engineering qualifications, develop specialist technical skills through continuing professional development (CPD), or pursue additional training in areas such as drilling equipment operation, geotechnical investigation, borehole construction, mineral exploration, health and safety, and site supervision.

The qualification can also support progression into roles such as Driller, Drilling Rig Operator, Geotechnical Drilling Operative, Ground Investigation Operative, Borehole Driller, Mineral Exploration Driller, Drilling Supervisor, and Site Supervisor, subject to relevant experience, competence, and employer requirements. The knowledge and practical skills gained are valuable across construction, infrastructure, geotechnical engineering, environmental investigation, water well drilling, and mineral exploration projects.